Rick Santorum, you would think went off script a little bit tonight in his speech at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL. His focus was not on job creation, though he did bring a message of prosperity to those watching. He said there are three rungs to success – a strong family, a solid education and hard work. He mentioned that when his grandfather came to the United States from Italy that he didn’t depend on government. He noted, “In 1923 there were no government benefits for immigrants, except one – freedom.”

He touched upon a topic he hit upon numerous times when he campaigned for President the leading cause of poverty being the breakdown of the family. He said that if someone graduates from high school, works hard, and gets married before having children that the chance that person will be in poverty is only 2%. He noted, “if you don’t do these three things you’re 38 times more likely to end up in poverty.”

He also went on to say, “marriage is disappearing in places where government dependency is the highest.” A moment later he stated, “if America is going to succeed we must stop the assault on marriage and the family today.”

He took a shot at President Obama’s executive order waiving the work requirement for welfare. “Like with his failure to enforce our immigration laws, President Obama rules like he is above the law.” Santorum warned, “Americans take heed when a President can simply make a speech or write a memo and change the law to do what the law says he can not do we will no longer be a republic.”

He also highlighted education, “A solid education should be the second rung on the ladder to success, but the system is failing. President Obama’s solution has been to deny parents choice, attack private schools, and nationalize curriculum and student loans. Mitt Romney believes that parents and the local community must be in charge of our schools, not the Department of Education.”

Santorum also championed the right to life by talking about the challenges his daughter Bella who was born with Trisomy 18, a rare genetic disorder that is often considered fatal.

“The doctors told us that Bella, Bella was incompatible with life and to prepare to let go. They said even if she were to survive her disabilities would be so severe that she wouldn’t have a life worth living.” Santorum continued holding back tears, “We didn’t let go. Today Bella is full of life and she has made our lives and countless others much more worth living. I thank God that America still has one party that reaches out their hands in love to lift up all of God’s children born and unborn.”

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About Shane Vander Hart

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts. He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm. Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings. He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in. Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids. Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA. You can connect with Shane on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Google +.